USDOE remediation site case study

The uranium concentration ranges of important pathway matrices for the United States are compared with off- and on-site ranges at the Fernald Environmental Management Project (FEMP). Empirically established uranium uptake factors for humans are linked with the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) recommendations on limits for exposure of the public to ionizing radiation. The maximum effective dose equivalent (EDE) to the local population is derived from the USDOE interim drinking water guideline and consideration of the inhalation and ingestion pathways for diet and local soils. The maximum effective dose equivalent estimates calculated for the inhalation and ingestion of uranium from local sources in the environs of the FEMP would be considered negligible under the individual risk level (NIRL) concept developed by the NCRP. However, empirical site data and risk modeling based on these data are necessary to meet USDOE mission objectives at FEMP and other remediation sites.